DSJ learner comes out tops in Karate National Junior Championships

Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg’s Safiya Barklem recently earned her place in next year’s Karatenomichi World Federation (KWF) National Junior Championships.

The 12-year-old recently competed in this year’s KWF’s Karate National Junior Championships and walked away with four gold medals and a bronze medal in the five events she was entered into, coming out as the top female competitor in the tournament, and securing her place in next years tournament.

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“When we went to Japan last year, my senseis advised me not to expect much, and enjoy the experience. To compete [this year] and win medals was amazing and made me want to do better. I watch videos now of the world’s best Karateka to motivate me.”

Safiya began the martial arts at Dorfman Karate in Melrose Arch when she was 8 years old, and has trained for over four years.

“My friend, who schools with me, began his karate journey before me and that’s how I discovered it. My parents suggested that I join, as girls need to know how to defend themselves.”

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The Grade 7 learner trains four times a week, in the evenings: twice at Sensei Shane Dorfman’s Dojo and twice at Sensei Malcolm Dorfman’s Dojo. She also does fitness training with her dad, a sports fitness coach, and does special strength exercises for karate.

“Next year will be the next KWF National Junior champs, The World Cup, and Dorfman Karate Club champs, and in addition to that, belt grading. So, there is lots of training.”

She noted that when it was closer to competitions, training times increased to six times a week. In karate, you must be as close to perfect as possible, so you must train. Practice makes perfect.

“My dream is to be a world champion, and I hope it will help me with my studies, and with travelling and hope I can teach others one day, the way my senseis have taught me.”

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